Why Hunter Education?

The first mandated hunter education program began in New York in 1949 to reduce hunting incidents. As hunter education programs spread across the country, safety coordinators formed what is now the International Hunter Education Association to create a core curriculum, which is the basis for this course.

Hunter education programs have always taught young hunters the practice of firearm and hunting safety. Today, hunter education programs are about more than safety. They have been expanded to produce responsible, knowledgeable, and involved hunters—hunters who understand the importance of complying with hunting laws and behaving ethically. These programs give beginners a good foundation, and they provide a refresher for veteran hunters.

Ultimately, the mission of hunter education programs is to develop safe, ethical, and responsible hunters and to ensure the continuation of the hunting tradition.